Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart and House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain hosted a roundtable last week in Doral, Florida, to discuss the impact of the Working Families Tax Cuts on local families and workers during the 2026 tax season.
The event brought together working parents, small business owners, gig economy drivers, and tax professionals to share their experiences with recent federal tax changes. The discussion focused on how these policies are affecting take-home pay and financial stability for many Floridians.
Díaz-Balart said he was grateful for McClain’s leadership in promoting awareness of the new tax provisions. “I was especially pleased to welcome her to Sergio’s restaurant in Doral, in Florida’s 26th Congressional District, where we had the opportunity to hear directly from my constituents — from working parents, entrepreneurs, UBER and DoorDash drivers, and local tax professionals — about how these policies are making a difference during tax season. These hardworking Americans are already seeing the benefits of the tax relief passed last year by House Republicans and signed into law by President Trump,” Díaz-Balart said. He also thanked Carlos Gazitua for hosting the event.
McClain said that across the country people are benefiting from these policies. “In Miami, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart has been a steady leader, fighting to put money back where it belongs: in the pockets of families, small businesses, and workers. It’s been extremely helpful to hear directly from Congressman Diaz-Balart’s constituents about how these tax cuts are helping their businesses grow, their families thrive, and their communities succeed.”
Participants at the roundtable described specific ways they have benefited from provisions such as no taxes on tips or overtime pay. Bob Mitchell, an Uber driver for 11 years, said he saved over 20% more on his income taxes this year compared to last year due to savings on tips. Nikki Trevino shared that keeping more of her tips will help support her daughter as she prepares for college. Ilenai Rodríguez noted that not having to pay taxes on tips means important savings at year-end.
First responders also spoke about changes regarding overtime pay. Chief Matthew Castillo of City of Miami Springs Police said that “the No Tax on Overtime provision directly impacts” recruitment, morale, and retention among officers by allowing them to keep more of their earnings. Lt. Albert Vargas added that mandatory overtime is common in law enforcement due to staffing shortages; being able to retain more earnings is a significant benefit for officers’ families.
Small business owners highlighted other aspects such as bonus depreciation and expanded deductions encouraging investment and hiring. Carlos Gazitua reported opening a new restaurant and hiring over 60 employees this year thanks in part to these incentives.
Díaz-Balart has served in Congress representing Florida’s 26th District since 2003 after earlier roles in both chambers of Florida’s legislature according to his biography. He was born in Fort Lauderdale in 1961 and currently lives in Miami as reported by congressional records. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Florida according to university records.
